DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 5 -- Illicit alcohol continues to pose a significant threat to public health, government revenue, and legitimate businesses in Tanzania.

A new study reveals that 61 percent of all alcohol consumed in the country is illicit, resulting in an estimated 1.026tri/- in government revenue losses each year due to uncollected taxes.

Similar studies conducted by Euromonitor International in Kenya and Uganda in 2025 revealed comparable trends, with illicit alcohol accounting for 60% and 67% of total consumption, respectively.

For the study, illicit alcohol is defined as alcohol that does not fully comply with tax, regulatory, and legal requirements. This includes products for which relevant excise and other duties ha...